DIY Window Installation Troubleshooting in Nashville, TN

March 25, 2015

Your satisfaction with your Pella windows and doors is our priority. If you have a problem with your Pella product that you believe might be related to the window’s installation, completing the following steps can help determine if the product is installed level, square and plumb.

First, take a level and place it on the frame of the product, across the bottom or sill. Do not set it on the sashes or panels of the product since it could give an inaccurate reading. The bubble of your level should fall in the center, demonstrating the product is installed level.

Next, test plumb of your window or door. Plumb means the window or door is straight down or up, vertically. To check for plumb, put your level on the two vertical side jambs on the exterior face to ensure the product is plumb from the inside out. Then, you’ll check for plumb from left to right by placing the level on each side. The bubble should fall in the middle on both sides, signifying the product is installed plumb.

After checking plumb, you can look for bowing by measuring the unit horizontally across the top, middle and bottom. The measurements of these three places should all be equal, plus or minus one eighth of an inch. It’s crucial to always measure to and from the same point on both sides for consistency. Lastly, see if your window or door is square by measuring from each corner to the other in an X fashion on the outside of the product. The measurements should be within 1/8 inch of each other to indicate the product is
installed square.

You can also inspect the reveal, where the sash meets the frame. The gap should appear the same from top to bottom and left to right. All sides of your product should appear the same, demonstrating the product is installed level, square, and plumb.

Setting aside time to do a little troubleshooting on your own can provide helpful information to solve a problem. If you find that you have run in to one, or even a couple, of these issues, visit the Pella Window and Door Showroom in Nashville or give us a call at 615-348-8786.